VIDEO – What to do about Raleigh home foundation concerns

Click on the VIDEO Below for Raleigh Real Estate Buyer and Seller Tips

Welcome back to the Capital City Real Estate Group video blog! I’m Marc Iafrate, Broker-in-Charge of the Capital City Real Estate Group here in Raleigh. Today we are going to discuss What to Do If You’re Worried About Your Home’s Foundation.

Like in a relationship, the foundation of a house is key, and it must be strong. There are many reasons why a house’s foundation might crack or shift – including temperature variations in the soil surrounding it. But whatever the reason, there are certain steps to follow when addressing concerns about your house’s foundation.

Prevent The Problem, If Possible

First, whenever possible act to prevent problems before they arise. Make it a habit to check for foundational stress by taking a walk through your basement or around the outside of your home. Signs of a problem include cracks in the foundation itself (particularly horizontal ones larger than a hairline), uneven or sloping floors, doors or windows that won’t open or close properly anymore, and water damage (puddles or moisture in the wood) that could signal improper drainage.

Confirm The Problem, If There’s Time

If you find a crack that has you worried, but isn’t a very large gap, you may want to coat it with concrete waterproofing paint and keep an eye on it. If the crack reappears after the paint has dried, it means the gap that produced the crack is growing and should be addressed. If you suspect water drainage problems, try shutting down all water-using appliances in your home. Then watch the water meter for 6 to 12 hours. If the levels change in that time, your water is finding another way out of the house. Finally, if you suspect a sloping floor, use a tennis ball and see if it starts rolling.

Fix The Problem, If It’s Small

Sometimes DIY methods can be used to address small issues, like little cracks (ones not in the foundation itself, but in walls or floors). Fill them with a vinyl concrete patch, or a similar product. Be sure the material you use is flexible and can move a little, because the concrete will – it slightly expands and contracts to keep stable.

Call The Professionals!

That said, the absolute best method of dealing with foundation problems is to call in the professionals, because even successful DIY fixes are temporary. And because, even though it will cost a little more, the money is worth it to prevent your house from significant damage further down the road! Reach out to a foundational specialist or a structural engineer if there are any signs that have you worried about a shifting or crumbling foundation. They are your best resource for pinpointing the cause of your foundation problem and for fixing the problem.

If you have more in-depth questions, or want some recommendations for a foundational specialist, talk to your trusted Capital City Real Estate Group Broker. We have helped homeowners all over the Triangle find solutions to their home improvement questions. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the future.

And remember, you can always rely on your Capital City Real Estate Group Broker for helpful tips and referrals for trusted professionals whenever you need them.

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About Capital City Real Estate Group, Inc.

Moving to North Carolina years ago was the best decision my family and I could have made. We were looking for a change from the cold Michigan winters and the volatile economic climate. The Triangle was the perfect choice with its mild winters, quality of life and diverse economic base.

I have always held as my personal values and guiding principles: Professionalism, Integrity, Dependability and understand the meaning of perseverance!

I began my real estate career in 1996 as a commercial investor. This led to a Director of Property Management position for multi-family and commercial property and now, residential real estate as the Broker/Owner of the Capital City Real Estate Group, Inc. – eXp Realty here in Raleigh.

I put myself through the evening MBA program at the University of Michigan while working full time and raising a family.

Prior to real estate, I earned a Master of Science in Engineering from U of M and currently hold 2 U.S. Design Patents and had a successful corporate career in the automotive industry. As a result of that experience, I’ve successfully been able to apply my problem solving ability to business.

In addition to the Rotary Club, I support causes which strengthen our local community such as the YMCA – We Build People Program and Habitat for Humanity
My wife’s favorite charity benefiting children is The Angel Tree
We participate in our church food and clothing drives to benefit our local community
We also support the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association and the Humane Society